This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: Windows Blog.
The Microsoft Store Awards honor outstanding applications that elevate user experiences, drive productivity and inspire creativity across the Windows ecosystem. We are proud to announce this year’s winners, each exemplifying technical excellence, user satisfaction and transformative potential. Whether you’re an app enthusiast or a developer looking to make your mark, discover more about our ongoing commitment to innovation and how you can join the thriving Microsoft Store community.AI Assistants category
This year, there was a tie in the AI Assistants category, and both winners are recognized for their excellence.
Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI
Perplexity’s Windows app features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search and deep desktop integration for rapid research. Advanced AI models, Pro Search and guided deep research modes facilitate interactive exploration, while IT policies and keyboard shortcuts support both personal and enterprise workflows. Enhanced accessibility and seamless desktop integration make Perplexity a leader in AI-powered knowledge discovery.
Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI
ChatGPT for Windows offers instant answers via the Alt + Space companion window, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. The app closely mirrors the web experience while providing unique Windows-only productivity enhancements, including IT policy controls and a privacy-first approach for business users. Its intuitive interface and capable integration make ChatGPT an indispensable tool for both individuals and organizations.
Business category
Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Invoice by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd.
Moon Invoice’s Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator automates business finance tasks with customizable templates, and instant printing and sharing via WhatsApp or email. Dashboard analytics provide real-time tracking of payments and expenses, while support for multiple payment gateways and formats ensures flexibility for freelancers and SMEs. The app’s secure digital record-keeping, multi-channel communication and rapid document sharing make it a comprehensive solution for business owners seeking efficiency and control.
Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category
Winner: Manus by Manus AI
Manus for Windows redefines automation with its Computer-Using Agent (CUA) architecture. Operating within a secure sandbox, Manus autonomously executes complex, multi-step tasks ranging from running code (Python, JavaScript, Bash) and controlling headless browsers for web automation, to managing files and deploying applications. Its “Manus’s Computer” interface lets users observe, pause or guide ongoing actions live, while a multi-agent system plans and executes workflows like data analysis, content creation and report generation. Manus runs tasks fully in the background, can resume interrupted workflows and keeps detailed context for advanced automation, all while maintaining strict isolation and security. This makes Manus a powerful, flexible digital assistant for professionals seeking robust, transparent and secure automation on Windows.
Creativity category
Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I.
n-Track Studio transforms Windows devices into full-featured recording studios, supporting unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, advanced effects, custom sound import and seamless project navigation. The app’s cross-platform workflow enables creators to collaborate and produce professional music, while AI-powered tools, VST plugin support and stable export capabilities make it the preferred choice for both creative professionals and hobbyists.
Developer Tools category
Winner: ngrok by ngrok
ngrok for Windows enables secure, seamless tunneling and remote access. The app ensures automatic updates, compatibility with Windows Defender and secure reverse proxy setup. Developers can run ngrok as a background service, benefiting from integration with Windows security and app management tools. Its trusted workflows extend to Microsoft and enterprise environments, helping teams ship faster while staying secure
Education category
Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation
Scratch 3 helps students build confidence in computational thinking through hands‑on projects, programming interactive stories, games and robotics. In class, learners can visualize logic with block coding, test ideas instantly and iterate with peer feedback, which reinforces problem solving and creativity. With extensions for Bluetooth and hardware, students connect code to real‑world devices (e.g., micro:bit, LEGO), enabling STEM lessons that span sensors, motion and data. The offline editor runs smoothly on basic hardware, so schools can deliver reliable, inclusive experiences that scale from beginner labs to advanced projects.
Game category
Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd
Castle Craft delivers an immersive gaming experience, leveraging Windows hardware for smooth, dynamic resource merging and time-travel exploration. Players can construct kingdoms, complete heroic quests and enjoy vivid graphics with adaptive controls. The game’s family-friendly design, scalable performance and strong security features make it ideal for all ages and devices, ensuring engaging gameplay and creative kingdom building for every player.
Music category
Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc
Moises Live is an exclusive app that sets a new standard for music apps by harnessing real-time AI audio separation technology. Users can isolate vocals, instruments and dialogue at the system level, making it possible to remix, practice or enjoy music with unprecedented control. The app features Karaoke mode for any track in any app (lyrics optional), letting users sing along or create custom mixes instantly. Other highlights include system-wide audio control, latency-free mixing and seamless integration with any Windows app, empowering creators, educators and enthusiasts to achieve studio-level results from their desktop. Moises Live on Copilot+ PCs (for other devices, try Moises), leverages the NPU for breakthrough speeds and lag-free, dynamic volume adjustments for music, movies and calls. All processing is done locally for privacy and instant results, with no cloud uploads or waiting required.
Productivity category
Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc
Notion for Windows turns scattered tasks and notes into a single, searchable workspace. Teams automate busywork with templated workflows, like converting meeting notes into action items, auto‑assigning tasks from a backlog and syncing status across projects with database views. Native Windows integration (taskbar pinning, quick‑launch and offline access) helps users act faster without context switching. For example, a product team can use a “Sprint Planning” template that auto‑populates tasks from a roadmap page, sends reminders and updates progress charts to help free time for design and decision making.